Mike was a student of mine at Eastern University outside of Philly back in the 1980s. He came from Jersey and was an outstanding student who went on to theological school and to many years as Pastor in the up-East area around Philly and Boston. As a pastor he wrote regular insightful columns for local newspapers. He actually published many of his articles in book form, “Only Human” (Asbury Park Press). I took part in his wedding to Sue while they were both still students.
Mike had a very bright mind and an excellent sense of humor. His close and longtime friend Gary Biester called his sense of humor “quirky”. We spent many evenings talking and laughing together with our close friends during those years. We liked to drink Coca Colas and eat pizza together. On our way to his and Sue’s wedding Mike and I stopped at a comic book store so he could play one last pinball game as a single man. He was all dressed up and looked like The Joker, while I in my preacher’s robe looked like Batman. We had a lot of fun.
At one point along the way the Dean at Eastern fired me because I did not agree with his personal views, not the College’s views, on the inspiration of the Bible. Mike addressed the entire assembly at the end of a Chapel service to announce and protest this happening. He encouraged his fellow students to do something about this wrong thing. I was so very touched that he would stand up for me in this way. It was a kind, brave thing to do. I was lucky to be his teacher.
I can still hear Mike’s funny laugh in my mind’s ear and I am glad that we got to talk together a couple of times before he died. His wife Sue and four boys will miss him greatly. I shall miss him greatly, too. He assured me that he “was at peace” about whatever might come next.
12 responses to “MY FRIEND AND FORMER STUDENT MIKE RILEY HAS DIED”
Thank you, Jerry. Lovely tribute to a lovely man.
Thanks Kathy – please do your best to stay ahead of me in this game :O) Paz, Jer
My condolences Enjoyed your thoughts.
My deepest condolences, Jerry. Mike Riley was clearly a standup guy. Your observance reflects that. – I wish I could’ve been there at Eastern in those days. Our St Rose and Albany colleagues certainly received all the benefits and personal growth from those years and relationships tho. I’ve heard Brendan L say similar. – Peace. Tim
Thanks, Jerry. Very nice remarks about Mike. Sharp mind and wit, too, of course. He knew we all had our foibles— but he was aware of his own in a way that few are. Once, when a friend remarked that Mike had an outsized view of himself, Mike said, with perfect comedic timing, “You should read my latest book, ‘How I Became Humble.’” He didn’t hide who he was, where he came from, or what he thought, even when he knew his viewpoint was unpopular. In spite of his sometimes heterodox views, he had a deep, unshakable faith. He will most certainly be missed.
Thanks so much Gare – I once read that that quotation finished up with “My new book on “Humility and How, I Attained It, with ten life-sized photos.” :O).
Thanks for writing and sharing this thoughtful and tender story.
Peace be to the memory of Mike Riley.
It must be great to have a student take a stand for you. I’m sorry for the loss you feel.
One of the drawbacks of living long is that we have to say goodbye to people who should have outlived us. I’m glad you had such a good friend there. Knowing you as I do, I know that your friendship was mutually enriching in many ways. Awful the way people with power use it to try to force people to think as they do for their own personal reasons. I was kicked out of the Anglican Church in Helsinki because I had some thought-out theological ideas, whereas the narcissistic young priest didn’t and couldn’t bear my having any status in the church. Actually, I refused to leave the church, and the police were called, six weeks in a row, to remove me and Leena. They dragged me into court, and I defended myself with no lawyer. I won the trial verdict by a unanimous vote, much to the chagrin of the church. They run and hide when I approach nowadays, though I do most of my work through the Lutheran church now.
Thanks for the run down on your “escapade” David :O) Fortunately we both survived these “persecutions” :O) Mike was a real friend in DEED ! Keep on keeping the faith !!! Paz, Jerry
Thanks for sharing these memories, Jerry.
Mike was very happy to have had a chance to speak with you too. Thank you for your kind words. He and I always had the greatest respect for you!